Though the Rivian R1T and R1S EVs have been met with a wave of controversy because of the actions of the company’s leaders and the wrestle of getting the automobiles off the manufacturing line and delivered to prospects. Whatever the present turmoil surrounding the EV startup, the truck and SUV duo nonetheless appear to be promising merchandise, particularly in quad-motor guise.

Regardless of only a handful of fashions being delivered to customers, the model is already offering intensive upgrades to the vary. With the updates, we will count on the automobiles to quickly boast new battery chemistry that hopes to extend capability, scale back the price of manufacturing, and enhance their technique of sourcing supplies.

Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe revealed that the corporate is investing within the growth of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cell expertise throughout its This fall and Full 12 months 2021 earnings name. Utilizing the phosphate compound, the battery packs can supply an improved life cycle over the usual lithium-ion expertise. As per business estimates, it may well additionally decrease the price of a battery by 6% in comparison with nickel manganese cobalt-based packs.

Motivating this determination throughout the name, Scaringe says: “Together with that, our normal battery pack is leveraging LFP and LFP chemistry, and that chemistry not solely permits us to supply that pack at a decrease price, however it actually suits industrial functions effectively. And it is first going to be launched within the industrial car platform later this yr, after which will make its approach into our shopper automobiles by late 2023.”